15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us to listen to God’s word and let it grow in our hearts. The readings show that God’s word is like a seed. If the soil is good, it will grow and bear fruit. We are called to be open and ready, like good soil, so we can live out our faith each day.

This Sunday also points to action. We are chosen and sent to share the Gospel, just like the apostles. God calls each of us in different ways. We must love God, follow His commandments, and care for others. When we do this, we help grow His Kingdom.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 55:10-11: The word of the Lord is like rain and snow that comes down from the heavens, watering the earth and making it fertile. Similarly, God’s word that comes from His mouth will not return to Him empty, but it will accomplish His purpose and fulfill His will.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 65: The passage describes how God has enriched and blessed the land with water, preparing it for a bountiful harvest. The response “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest” emphasizes the importance of planting on fertile soil to ensure a successful crop.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:18-23: The present sufferings of believers are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed to them. The passage describes how all of creation is groaning in pain, eagerly awaiting its redemption and liberation from decay, and how believers also groan inwardly, awaiting the redemption of their bodies.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:1-23: Jesus speaks to a large crowd in parables about the kingdom of heaven, using the metaphor of seeds and soil. He explains that those who receive the word of the kingdom and understand it will produce a fruitful harvest, while those who do not understand it will not bear fruit.

Mass Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Amos 7:12-15: Amaziah orders Amos to leave Bethel and prophesy elsewhere. Amos responds he was called by God from his life as a shepherd to prophesy to Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: I pray to hear God’s promises of peace and witness his glory in our land. His salvation is near, and he blesses us with abundant harvests and righteousness.
• Second Reading – Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10: We are blessed in Christ with spiritual riches, chosen to be holy, redeemed by his sacrifice, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, fulfilling God’s plan for unity and glory.
• Gospel – Mark 6:7-13: Jesus empowered the Twelve, sending them with minimal provisions to preach repentance, expel demons, and heal the sick. They were to stay in welcoming homes and leave unwelcoming places.

Mass Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Deuteronomy 30:10-14: Moses told the people that God’s commandments are not beyond their reach; they are close and in their hearts, ready to be followed with all their heart and soul.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: I pray to you, Lord, in my suffering. Answer me and help me. God hears the poor and will save Zion.
• Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The Lord’s perfect law refreshes the soul, gives wisdom, brings joy, and enlightens the eyes. God’s words are precious, true, just, and sweeter than honey.
• Second Reading – Colossians 1:15-20: Christ shows us God, created everything, holds everything together, leads the church, and reconciles all things through his death on the cross.
• Gospel – Luke 10:25-37: A scholar asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus told a story showing that loving your neighbor means showing mercy, regardless of who they are.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is a full book with many parts, including stories, laws, letters, and prayers. The Lectionary is not the whole Bible. It is a book with selected Bible readings used at Mass. The readings are chosen to match the Church calendar. Each Sunday has its own set of readings. For example, the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time has specific readings that help us think about how we grow in faith.

The Lectionary is arranged by liturgical seasons and Sundays. Each Sunday is given a Lectionary number. The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time uses different readings depending on whether it is Year A, B, or C. In the United States, the Bible translation used at Mass is the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE). This translation is approved for use in the liturgy and matches the readings in the Lectionary. The Lectionary helps us hear God’s word in an organized and prayerful way.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on how we receive and live out God’s word. Across all three years—A, B, and C—the readings remind us that God speaks to us and invites us to grow in faith. His word is meant to take root in our lives and lead to action, love, and service.

In Year A, Jesus tells a story about seeds and soil. In Year B, He sends out the Twelve to preach and heal. In Year C, we hear the parable of the Good Samaritan. Each Gospel shows us that hearing the word is just the beginning. We must also live it.

The first and second readings from each year help us understand God’s plan and our part in it. Whether we are called to return to God, to trust Him in hard times, or to share His love with others, the message is the same—be ready, and be faithful.

The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to think about our relationship with God. Are we listening? Are we living what we hear? Are we helping others do the same?

Take some time to read the scriptures for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Ask yourself how you are living out God’s word. Are you growing, sharing, and loving?

Share your thoughts in the comments. What part of the readings speaks to your life right now? Your words may help someone else.